Wednesday, July 31, 2013

HU Alumnus Selected as Quarterfinalist by the GRAMMY Foundation

Justin Merrick, Hampton University alumnus and Vocal
Director/Operations Manager of the Stax Music Academy, has been selected as
quarterfinalists, for the first-ever Music Educator Award presented by the
GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy.

“My philosophy on music is easy, be yourself, music is meant
for everyone because it is a tool, it is a tool toward their journey on
self-actualization,” said Merrick.“At the end of the day, I want to inspire every student on every level
in helping him or her work towards productive citizenry.”

Merrick graduated from Hampton University in 2007 with
bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis in sociology. At Hampton University Merrick, served in
any and all capacities that were made available to him. He had his hands
in everything. Merrick, comes from four generations of Hamptonian men and women
and has always been familiar with the vision and mission of the University.

“As student representative to the Board of Trustees, Senior
Co-Facilitator of the Student Leadership Program, Honors College Board Member
and intern in the Office of Governmental Relations, much of my academics had to
be fit around a tight schedule of burning the midnight oil,” said
Merrick.

Merrick is now shaping young minds at Stax Music Academy. He
lives in the moment and his largest challenge is staying
connected with the rest of the world, friends and family. He said he is
so passionate about his work that it becomes easy to become disillusioned with
the day-to-day interactions of the rest of the world.

The Music Educator Award was established to
recognize current educators teaching K – college, in both public and private
schools who have made a noteworthy and lasting contribution to the field of
music education. These teachers demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause
of maintaining music education in the schools.

The award was open to current United States music teachers, and
anyone could nominate a teacher — students, parents, friends, colleagues,
community members, school deans and administrators. Teachers were also able to
nominate themselves, and nominated teachers were notified and invited to fill
out an application. This year there are 217 music teachers selected as
quarterfinalist.

One recipient will be chosen from 10 finalists each year,
and will be recognized for his/her extraordinary impact on students' lives. The
honorariums and grants provided to the finalists and schools are made possible
by the generosity and support of the GRAMMY Foundation's Education
Champions Converse, Ford Motor Company Fund, General Mills Box
Tops For Education, and Journeys. The Grammy’s will be held Sunday,
January 26, 2014.